Environment

CLIMATE CHANGE

While national governments are working on trying to prevent climate change, local governments have to figure out how to respond to it.

Because changing weather patterns will change precipitation patterns, the most urgent aspects of climate change for us will be flooding, snow clearing, and water supply [See Flooding, Snow Clearing, and Water Supply]. Climate change will also require active stewardship of our wetlands and waterways—healthy wetlands are more resilient to changes in precipitation! [See: Wetlands and Waterways.]

Municipal governments can also play a smaller role in mitigating climate change. Building real neighbourhoods, walkable and cyclable, can reduce emissions [See: Real Neighbourhoods, Cycling]. So can an effective public transit system [See: Public Transit].

In 2015 St. John’s considered buying two electric cars as a pilot project. It is unclear whether this would save a little money, relative to the cost of buying conventional vehicles, or cost a little money. Either way, it would be a cheap way to facilitate a transition to electric vehicles.

And lastly, the City can reduce the emissions it produces itself through conservation measures like energy-efficient bulbs, energy-efficient design, moderate thermostat settings, etc.